Hearing Aids-Now High Tech and Costly
Hearing aids are among the largest personal expenditures some people ever make
. They are also one of the most life changing devices the hard-of-hearing can own.
As costly as a diamond ring, yet so inconspicuous friends and relatives seldom notice they are being worn, it is often difficult to spend thousands of dollars for something as tiny and unnoticeable as a hearing aid. The hard-of-hearing are known for delaying the purchase until everyone around them insists they must wait no longer. For some the delay results from a denial of need, for others it is strictly a matter of dollars.
Determine Need for Hearing AidThe first step to better hearing is getting a professional hearing evaluation. This is a simple, painless procedure that targets the type and degree of hearing loss. As many hard-of-hearing people can testify, one ear might have a more severe loss than the other, or hear certain sounds better or less.
Today's high-tech computerized hearing evaluations analyze each ear separately and the patient walks away from the doctor or audiologists office with a detailed prescription in hand. They are then ready to shop for a hearing aid for one ear, or a pair, depending upon their need.
Get Hearing Device Price QuotesAs with any major purchase, it is wise to get quotes from at least three sellers before actually buying a hearing aid. Ask each vendor questions and learn all the features of different brands and models just as you would when making any other major purchase. There are significant differences in cost between brands and identical hearing aids may vary in price depending upon where they are purchased.
Few insurance policies cover the total cost of hearing aids and Medicare doesn't cover them at all. Depending upon the degree of hearing loss and whether one or both ears need a hearing aid, the hearing impaired consumer might spend several thousand dollars to re-enter the world of sound. Learning which devices fulfill individual prescription requirements and where they can be purchased most economically is time well spent.
Choosing the Right Hearing AidThere are two basic types of hearing aids, analog and the newer, high-tech digital devices. Minimal loss can often be corrected with one of the analog models. Sitting in the outer ear, they are a more visible, but less expensive device and are often chosen for a first hearing aid. Correction of moderate to severe hearing loss usually requires the higher quality of digital instruments. Choices among digital hearing aids include the traditional outer ear style plus dozens of more discreet instruments that sit behind the ear or deep inside the ear canal. Digital devices have a wider range of options and can be more finely tuned for individual needs than their analog predecessors. They are the preferred choice for most hard-of-hearing consumers.
Hearing Aid Shopping TipsLearn all about hearing aids before buying one. There are dozens of hearing devices to analyze and many decisions to make before committing to the expenditure.
Take time to make a decision. Pick up brochures when visiting dealers so comparisons can be made later without the pressure or influence of any particular salesperson or vendor.Ask about both manufacturers and dealer warranties. Warranties vary widely between manufacturers and between models from the same manufacturer. The independent dealer may or may not offer a separate "house" warranty.Ask if the dealer repairs hearing aids or sends them in to the manufacturer for repair. A broken hearing aid that must be sent to the manufacturer for repair could leave the wearer without a hearing device for weeks.Select a hearing device that can be upgraded to accommodate declining hearing. If the hearing aid is not upgradeable the wearer may have to buy a replacement in a few years.Check to see if insurance pays an annual amount for hearing aids. If so, the person needing two devices might get them in different calendar years to maximize the insurance pay-out.Get two hearing aids if the hearing evaluation indicates the need for two. The person with hearing loss in both ears experiences disorientation and the inability to determine where sounds are coming from when wearing only one hearing aid.Determining hearing aid telephone compatibility is important to the individual making daily use of the telephone for work or personal use.Some high-end hearing aids come with remote controls. Explore the benefits and downsides of using a remote. They are not for everyone.
eeking Help; When and WhyThe inability to hear well isolates the afflicted individual. Family, friends and co-workers, weary of raising their voices or repeating every sentence eventually tend to shut the hard of hearing out of conversations. Employers, not knowing their instructions were not heard or understood may penalize, demote or even fire a hard of hearing employee. The afflicted person may begin to feel of little value to their family, at their workplace or in society as a whole and become ever more isolated.
Since hearing loss usually occurs over time, most people experiencing it gradually become accustomed to the lack of life's background noises and may feel others simply aren't speaking loudly or clearly. Sadly, years, sometimes decades, of hearing loss may occur before help is sought.
Hearing Aids-Now High Tech and Costly
By: Center for Hearing Aids
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